Group Functions Spring Week Review

I found the experience extremely eye-opening and from it I have learned a lot that I don't think I could have learnt any other way.

I was kept very busy throughout the week and at no point did I feel like a spare part or a bother to others working.

There was always time to ask questions and direct answers were always provided. I found this support particularly important as I'm not used to a lot of the commercial terminology used within banks, and so defining these terms hugely guided me throughout the week.

For my degree (Natural Sciences) the information I learned wasn't directly relevant, however as far as skills for beyond my degree, I think I learned a lot from the week.

We were kept very busy and I felt a good number of assessment tasks were used in proportion to shadowing activity.

Everyone involved with the placement was enthusiastic and I feel because of the positive enthusiasm the general atmosphere was extremely good.

The week was used as an assessment mechanism and so although the firm provided a lot of information, we were not really there to be invested in.

It definitely helped, however we covered many business areas in a very large firm and therefore only really scratched the surface in each division as to what a full time role with the firm might be like.

I found this to be particularly important for the firm which has been undergoing significant changes in recent years due to public and media scrutiny.

The experience has undoubtedly made me keen to pursue a career in financial services, however picking a particular division or area of finance I feel will take a bit longer for a decision to be made.

Both meal and travel allowances were provided.

The firm arranged two sessions of networking drinks which were great at meeting other employees and discussing their opinions on the firm.

The networking drink sessions were thoroughly enjoyable as well as very insightful, particularly hearing from recent graduates about how they view the bank and what they have achieved working for the bank in a relatively short period of time

The graduate programme sounds extremely sociable and also I heard of many volunteering activities that anyone working for the bank can get involved in.

Undoubtedly. I found the experience totally invaluable and would thoroughly recommend the insight to anyone, especially someone who may not be studying a finance-related degree.